Summer High School Research Program
Spend your summer doing research at LLE!
Are you a Rochester, New York-area high school junior with a passion for science and a desire to explore the frontiers of research? Join us at LLE in July and August to experience the thrill of scientific discovery firsthand!
About the Program
The eight-week paid program provides an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated students to experience scientific research in a realistic environment.
Students who are accepted into the program are assigned to a research project and supervised by a staff scientist or engineer at LLE. These projects form an integral part of the research program of the Laboratory and are related to the Laboratory’s 60-beam OMEGA laser, one of the world’s most powerful fusion lasers, and the OMEGA EP laser. At the end of the program, the students present the results of their projects at a symposium in the Laboratory.
What to Expect
- Hands-On Research: Work alongside world-class scientists and engineers on exciting projects in fields like laser physics, plasma physics, and materials science.
- Mentorship: Benefit from personalized guidance and support from experienced researchers.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Explore our world-class laser systems, laboratories, computer systems, and equipment.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with talented undergraduate and graduate students.
- Another Way to Differentiate Yourself: Stand out among your peers for college admissions, scholarships, and internships.
Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 High School Program (July–August).
Application Deadline: 5:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026
Before You Apply
Prior to applying, you will need to prepare the following documents and save them as PDFs for upload:
- A brief cover letter written by you, the student, explaining why you are interested in this program.
- An essay written by you, the student, describing your interest in science and technology, as well as your future goals. This essay typically does not exceed two pages.
Additional Required Materials
Additionally, you’ll need to submit:
- A letter of recommendation on high school letterhead from a science or math teacher
- Your high school transcript
- Your most recent report card
Submission Requirements
All applications must be submitted online.
Letter of Recommendation
The letter of recommendation must be sent directly by the school or recommender and should not be uploaded to the application. It may be:
- Emailed by the school or recommender to hsprogram@lle.rochester.edu, or
- Mailed or hand delivered to:
Liz Conrow
Summer High School Research Program
University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics
250 East River Road
Rochester, NY 14623
If hand delivering, please use the East entrance during regular work hours.
Transcript and Most Recent Report Card
Transcripts and report cards may be:
- Uploaded to the online application,
- Emailed to hsprogram@lle.rochester.edu, or
- Mailed or hand delivered to the address above.
Application Review and Interview Process
Following an initial review of applications by the selection committee, a subset of applicants will be invited to participate in a Zoom-based program overview led by the Program Director, Dr. Stephen Craxton. Selected applicants will also be invited to a 30-minute individual Zoom interview, which will be scheduled during the month of March.
All interviews will be conducted via Zoom to facilitate easy scheduling and to be respectful of students’ and families’ time.
An in-person parent meeting for selected students will be scheduled in May.
Important Deadline Reminder
All materials are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 with the application.
Questions?
Contact Liz Conrow at hsprogram@lle.rochester.edu
I was looking at summer research opportunities and this one checked all the boxes. It was a paid internship with a chance to do research with distinguished scientists. It was perfect. And the building is massive and super cool.
Program Highlights
- Immersive Research Experience: Spend two months immersed in a dynamic research environment.
- Specialized Seminars: Attend weekly seminars on topics such as laser physics, optics, materials science, and scientific communication.
- Career Exploration: Gain insights into potential career paths in science and technology.
- Project Report: You’ll write a report summarizing your research, which you can use to leverage college admissions, scholarships, and future internship opportunities.
Eligibility
To be considered for the LLE Summer High School Research Program, you must:
- Be a Rochester-area high school student entering 12th grade in the upcoming academic year.
- Have a strong interest in science and a demonstrated academic aptitude.
- Be able to commit to the full eight-week program duration.
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